AI Assistants help people ask questions, explore ideas, draft text and work through everyday tasks. Depending on the service, they may also work with images, voice, files or web information. Young people may use them for study support, creative projects and quick explanations.
Table of contents
AI Assistant Safety Guides
What Parents Should Understand
However, a fluent answer can contain mistakes, bias or invented sources. Encourage young people to attempt tasks themselves, check important claims and follow their school’s rules. In addition, avoid uploading private family information, school records, passwords or other people’s images.
For parents, review the account age rules, privacy choices, conversation history, memory and any available supervision before use. Controls differ between services, accounts and regions. A general assistant can also become a place for personal conversations, so discuss emotional boundaries as well as schoolwork.
Age Rating and Child Safety Warning
There is no single minimum age or safety standard covering every AI tool. Check the provider’s current account rules and any parental consent requirements. An app store age rating is different from permission to create an account.
For children, neither a friendly character nor a paid subscription guarantees suitable content. Some services are intended for adults. Parental permission does not automatically override age restrictions, and filters cannot guarantee a safe response.
Related CODA Resources
Explore Resources for Parents and Children and Online Privacy. For additional support routes, visit Useful Links and Supports.
References
Webwise AI Aware offers Irish resources for families learning about generative AI.
eSafety guidance on AI chatbots and companions explains privacy, harmful content and relationship risks.
About Children of the Digital Age
Children of the Digital Age provides online safety education and training for parents, schools and organisations. Our work combines practical guidance with an understanding of online behaviour and cyberpsychology.
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Contact us to enquire about parent sessions, school presentations or AI safety education. Tell us which tools your family uses and what you would like to understand.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
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